I've heard the terms 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation RSM's. For my own knowledge, could someone explain the differences between the three, and if one is considered "better" than the others. Thank You for your help, Jsal

I don't know about three generations, but here's what I know(or so I think!):

The first guns had 24" barrels of a heavier diameter and are easily recognized by the barrel banded sling mount passing through the foreend. I do not now if there are any differences with the bolt or if it had the tang safety of the M77 Mk I (I think so). They came in 375, and 416 Rigby.

The next generation had 23" barrels of a thinner contour and the front sling band is mounted ahead of the foreend. They come in 375, 416 Rigby, and 458 Lott. At some point the rifle was advertised in 338 Lapua and there was a 404 Jeffery rumor, but I don't know that any were actually built.

There was also the Ruger Express, one of my favorite rifles. These looked just like the RSM, with intergal quarter rib, etc, but were on the standard length action and with a much much thinner barrel. They came in (at least) 270, 30-06, 300WM, and 338WM. These are relatively rare, which is a shame! They have the lines of a classic express rifle. My 30-06 has a silvers pad and jeweled bolt, and has only shot 220gn partitions and hornadys. My 375 RSM has two brown bear to it's credit.

Hopefully others can add more or correct anything I've gotten wrong. I think they're great guns for the money!

quote:

Originally posted by jsal:
I've heard the terms 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation RSM's ...

jsal,
I coined that terminology right here, far as I know.

Generation I RSM MkII: .375 H&H and .416 Rigby only
About 1992 to about 1997
Fat 24" barrel,
Compare .416 Rigby: 0.810" muzzle, 10.75# dry weight
Barrelband sling base imbedded in and protruding from the forearm

Generation II RSM MkII: still only offered in .375 H&H and .416 Rigby
About 1998 to about 2002
Same fat 24" barrel .810" muzzle, 10.75# dry weight, in .416 Rigby
Barrel band sling base forward of forend tip

Generation III RSM MkII: added .458 Lott to .375 H&H, .416 Rigby
2003 to present
Compare .416 Rigby: 23" barrel, .750" muzzle diameter, 9.5# weight
Barrel band sling base forward of forend tip
(10# in .458 Lott, 23" barrel of slightly heavier contour than .375, or .416 Rigby)

The .458 WinMag of 1990 and before was a medium action pushfeed with tang safety, not an RSM.
It had the 1968 M77 action (Mark I) with steel floorplate and trigger guard, barrel band sling base imbedded through forearm.

1991 brought the M77 Mark II.
It initialy was a pushfeed with a three-position wing safety on the bolt shroud.
It was easily modified to CRF, and within a year or two Ruger was making it CRF.

Model 77 Express Mark II started in 1992, medium action in 270, 7mmRM, 30-06, 300WinMag, and .338 WinMag.
The RSM (Ruger Safari Magnum) Gen I was the longer/magnum length version of that.

Gen I and Gen II with the heavy barrels are known for excellent accuracy, and muzzle heaviness.

The Gen III has the same recoil plate bedding system and has great accuracy potential too.
It is well balanced and a joy to carry compared to the earlier ones.

The Gen III RSM is well balanced and portable, most desirable, most would say.
It has also been offered in .338 Lapua Magnum,
at least cataloged.
If I ever saw one, I would have wanted it.
Please don't encourage me too much.

RIP you forgot the RSM in 500 Jeffery.




My RSM Family finally Together (500 Jeffrey(1st Gen),458 Lott(3rd Gen), 416 Rigby (2nd Gen))


Brad

Thank you all for the information,
Jsal

Brad,
Nice family photo. Three generations of RSMs.

I reckon that makes your 500 Jeffery, an "RSM I," the "Ol'Battle Axe" of the three girls,
rejuvenated by hormone therapy, plastic surgeons (and gynecologic surgeons even rebuilt her box), and The Spa, eh?
She is lookin' good,
should serve Nimrod well.